Even Stars Burn: Chapter Six

At AK Fashion House 

Arnav was fuming as he stormed into the building, his jaw clenched and his eyes ready to scorch anyone into silence. The receptionist stood to stop Arnav when he barged his way into the actual office. He turned and gave one of his infamous ASR faces which silenced his former employee, there was both fear and shame in her eyes. He continued and found one of his old office lackees, he cornered him and grabbed him by the collar.
"Where is that snake?" Arnav asked through gritted teeth.
"Kaun sa saap Sir?" The ex-employee asked, half terrified.
"Wohi, A-m-a-n." Arnav said every letter clearly, slowly and painfully.
"A-a-aman Sir woh photoshoot main hai, third floor peh." The ex-employee stuttered. Photoshoot? That meant-. Without delay Arnav darted away from these clowns and went to pursue the only thing that consumed his mind nowadays- Khushi.

Khushi one for modesty at all times was struggling slightly with the scanty cuts of the saree and plunging necklines. If Bhuaji saw her like this she would be locked away with nothing but a copy of Ramayan. But this wasn't about Bhuaji or anyone else, this was about Khushi getting the justice she deserved and if that meant compromising on some of her more traditional morals, so be it. Besides, upon a second cursory glance, it didn't look too horrific. The saree was a black lace which was wrapped very thinly across her torso, the blouse was a satin again in black cut into a deep V-plunge. With hair and makeup Khushi felt less so like the "Village belle" instead a hardness came across her, a cold confidence which closed all her worrisome emotions off. It left her feeling nothing, well nothing except for the need to see Arnav and his family in as much pain as they had caused Khushi and her family.

Khushi stepped out onto the set, there was a wall to floor canvas with white roses studded on it which Khushi assumed was the backdrop. There were a lot of people swarming, again all in black. There was a desk behind the camera equipment with Mac monitors prepped, they were using interns to take test shots, to see lighting and such - Khushi had been on a shoot before and vaguely remembered how these things went. Aman was standing over the Mac monitors, engrossed in giving some for of affirmative feedback, a severity in his brow. He looked up and spotted Khushi, who couldn't help but play with the palla of her saree (a tell-tale sign of her nerves). Aman walked over, there was a prowess in his gait like every move he made just oozed the upmost self-assurance - something that Khushi had lost during her time with the Raizada's. She couldn't help but long to be like that again, an almost jealous feeling lingered inside of her but she hushed it away.
"Ready to kill it?" Aman asked excitedly.
"Nahin, hum kisi ko maar nahin sakte hum kya kehte hai....vegetarian hai." Khushi said suddenly worrying some form of animal slaughter would be included in the shoot, she had seen western magazines on news stands, modelling never made sense to her.

"No, no, I meant, are you ready to go model? Like do the best, kill it!" Aman said and Khushi smiled though she had no idea what he was talking about. "Forget about it." Aman said with a laugh that was warm and infectious, it set Khushi somewhat to ease. Aman looked Khushi over. "Nervous?" He asked, without assumption or stress just curiosity.
"Todha bohut, hum aise kapre. I mean bohut sundhar hai kapre, lekin mere ghar mein ladkiyan aise nahin dekhte." Khushi said while trying to adjust her saree to cover her more.
"Khushi I get it, hum hamesha ladkiyan ko kehte aisa nahin karte, aisa nahin kapre pehente, yeh mat karo, woh mat karo... but why? Its the 21st century for God's sake. Its time women should be free from the male gaze. Yeh sabh kapre ke bharein mein nahin hain. AK designs are here to shake up society, encourage women to do what they want, be who they want and not fear anyone. Its about self-confidence and self-assurance." He seemed so passionate about what he was saying and all of it did make sense. There was a part of Khushi that would always secretly want to wear those more risky and glamorous outfits Heroines wore in the movies. But Umaji and Bhuaji would always tell Khushi that normal girls don't dress like that and Khushi would automatically feel guilty for even harboring such ideas. Suddenly Aman was clicking his fingers in front of her face.
"Kahaan koh gayi aap?" He asked with the warmth of a laugh in his voice.
"Nahin kuch nahin, hum tayaar hai maarne ki liye!" Khushi said with enthusiasm and Aman laughed putting an arm around her.
"You're too much Khushi." He said.

Arnav stormed into the shoot and immediately saw red. It didn't take long for him to spot Khushi amongst the crowd of mediocrity. Arnav also did not fail to note Aman's arm snaked around Khushi's shoulders. Khushi too was smiling and seemed quite happy to melt into his embrace, Arnav then noted the clothes - or lack thereof. Arnav's head pounded and his whole body was tense, he couldn't decide whether to burn the place to the ground first or murder Aman.
"Arnav S-sir. Aap yahann nahin ho sakte-" One of Arnav's old Creatives had attempted to chastise him, Arnav raised his hand to her face, refusing to take his eyes off the site of his wife and this fraud. The ex-employee made a yelp out of fear and soon everyone in the room turned to see Arnav, but Arnav's eyes were fixed on her hazel eyes. Khushi turned and her smile dropped to a look of pure dread. Arnav was surprised she could stand to look him in the eyes after such a deep betrayal. His eyes he was sure were cold, hard and piercing. Her eyes in return were soft and shaken, her jaw was tight and her hands balled. Arnav could feel the conflict within her, her heart wasn't really in this, she didn't want to hurt him; he was sure of that. Then why?
"Aaahhhh Mr. Raizada, this is a closed shoot, I'm afraid you are not welcome here." Aman said breaking away from Khushi, he stood primally infront of her, marking her as under his protection, Arnav knew this well.

"Aman, I'm not here to talk to you, I'm here to talk to my wife. Khushi, come outside." Arnav said, Khushi who was stood anxiously behind Aman made no movements- this confused Arnav. "Khushi, outside." He said again, he then noted the faintest shake of her head. Aman turned and smiled.
"I'm afraid my employee doesn't wish to talk to you. Also, just a friendly tip Mr. Raizada, one businessman to another; you should really leave your personal life at home, it looks tacky to drag up personal issues at my star model's place of work." He said and Arnav flared up at Aman declaring Khushi as his in any sense. He charged for Aman and grabbed him by his collar.
"Don't talk about her! Don't you dare say a word about her from your filthy mouth!" He said while pushing him, in what direction Arnav wasn't sure, in his rage he pushed Aman into lights and equipment until Aman tripped and fell to the floor. Arnav had a fist ready to collide into Aman when a hand grabbed his arm. Arnav turned to see who dared to stop him; again those hazel eyes. She shook her head softly and Arnav lowered his hand. Khushi grasped his shirt sleeve.
"Chalo bahaar baat karte hain." She said and proceeded to drag him outside.

Even Stars Burn: Chapter Five

Here it is the much anticipated Chapter 5! So sorry for the delay! I truly cannot apologize enough! Just know I am back and plan to update a lot more and a lot more regularly! Thank you all for your patience, support and kind words! I really appreciate it. Now back to the FF! 

Arnav stayed back at the banquet hall long after the event ended. He wanted to be alone. He'd never been one for drinking but tonight the smooth and bitter sting of whiskey called out to him. He closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair. Behind his closed lids danced images of Khushi, laughing, singing, dancing and being that carefree spirit he loved. A smile crept along his face. Then he saw the other side to Khushi, Khushi after he married her, crying, shouting, staring at him with those large frightened doe eyes begging for him to understand her. He opened his eyes and sat up. He poured himself another drink and downed it in one. Nothing. He felt nothing. Have you ever known a man who ruined his own happiness with his own two hands? Arnav did. He also knew a man that drove the only person who he had truly loved out of his life and why? Because he never truly understood her. That man was Arnav himself. Had he just once spoken to Khushi in the beginning, instead of assuming the worst about her. Then maybe...just maybe this all could have been avoided. Maybe then the night of Akash and Payal's wedding he could have told her he loved her and stood by her against Shyam. Then maybe Di would have been able to understand. What use were maybes? Khushi was gone and Arnav...Arnav was alone.

*the next morning* 

Khushi awoke to the loud piercing melody of her Debaang ringtone. This was one point where she did not appreciate this song. She groggily reached out for her phone.
"Hello?" She mumbled.
"Hello. Am I speaking to Mrs. Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada?" An unfamiliar voice asked. Khushi frowned at the "Mrs" and "Singh Raizada" but begrudgingly had to agree.
"Ji."
"Hi, I'm calling from AK fashion-house. I hope I'm not disturbing you?" The voice said. AK Fashion house, what was that? Khushi had never heard of it.
"Nahin hum toh-" Khushi was about to admit to being asleep but she realized she was speaking to a complete stranger. "Nahin hum free hai abhi ki liye." She said quickly.
"Good. Our boss would really like to meet with you and discuss a potential business opportunity with yourself. Are you free to come in today for a meeting?" The voice asked. Business opportunity? Khushi wondered what a fashion house would want with her. Maybe they heard about her Dabba service? She could do with the distraction, you know since she and... well yes she could do with the distraction.
"Ji hum aasakte hain." She said more enthusiastically.
"Great let me give you the address." The voice then proceeded to give Khushi the address.
"Tik hai hum jald se jald paunchtein hain. Thank you." She put the phone down and hurriedly readied herself.

*In the Raizada Mansion* 
"BHAI! BHAI!" Akash was shouting, his forehead creased with frownlines. The whole family came out, worried by the commotion.
"Kya hua Akash?" Anjali asked, frightened by her brother's sight.
"Di! Bhai kahan hai?" Akash asked.
"Chotte? Woh uppar apne kamare mein hain. Lekin woh dekhnein ki halaat main nahin hai. Usne bohut sharab lee hain. Kal raath ko, woh tikh se chal bhi nahin payain. Hari Prakash ne usse apne kamre tak chorayein teh. Mujhe lagta hai woh abhi bhi adha nashein mein hoon." Di said, the disapproval clear in her tone and the worry shone through her eyes.
"Honestly Di, I don't care. Bhai will have to get over all this for a day. Once he sees the paper he'll sober up." Akash said angrily as he scrunched the paper in his hands. Akash stormed towards Arnav's room.
"Akash! Par hua kya???" Anjali asked, sturggling to keep up with Akash's long strides.
"Woh kameena humko barbaad kiya, dhoka diya!" Akash shouted. "BHAI!"

*At AK Fashion-House* 

Khushi was out of breath when she reached the building. The rickshaw had broken down and she had to walk the rest of the way. She had her hands on her hips and was breathing deeply. It was only when she looked to the side to raise her handbag back to her shoulder away from the crook of her elbow that she took in her sleek surroundings. Everything was monochrome. White walls and static black sofas haphazardly placed around the office. Sharp cornered white desks and everyone wore black. Khushi felt slightly out of place in her fuscia anarkali.
"Ajeeb jaga hai. Kapre behjte hain, lekin jaga hai be-raangi." Khushi mumbled to herself. She was about to go to the receptionist to inform them of her arrival when one of the robots in black came up to her smiling.
"You're Khushi right?" She asked. Khushi nodded. "Fab! Mera naam Malika hai. Hum phone pe baat kiye thi subha mein." Khushi smiled and placed  Malika's voice to her face.
"Ucha! Namaste." Khushi said and Malika smiled.
"Boss ne warn kiya ta khi tum kafi traditional aur formal hai." Malika said, and Khushi immediately unfolded her arms. How did they know that about her? "Aayein hum aapko apne boss se milate hain."

Khushi walked into the office with Malika, this office was pure black, the boss was in his seat, the chair with its back facing Khushi so she couldn't see who this "Boss" was.
"Sir, Khushi is here for your meeting." Malika said.
"Good. Malika aap ja sakti hai. Thank you." Said the Boss. Malika nodded and left. Khushi felt unnerved by these unfamiliar surroundings and the general air of the room. The chair turned and Khushi saw his face. He was fair, had soft brown hair, gentle brown eyes and a razor sharp jaw flecked with stubble. He wore an all black suit and at the sight of Khushi he raised his eyes and smiled. Khushi knew this face...but from where?

*At The Raizada Mansion* 

Arnav was lost in a beautiful dream. Khushi was lying next to him by the poolside at night. Her head in the crook of his arm. She was smiling and looking up at him with the love he had once seen in her eyes. He could feel the even rise and fall of her breathing. He could smell her jasmine scent. She felt so close and so real. But a dream is but a dream and reality...
Arnav woke up drenched in ice cold water and he was gasping worried he was drowning. He opened his eyes and realized slowly that Akash had just tipped this ice cold water on his head. Before Arnav could open his mouth to protest. Akash opened the curtains and the light set off a blinding migraine in Arnav's head.
"Akash please. My head." Arnav said.
"Akash, be gentle, Chotte-" Di was cut off by Akash.
"I'm sorry but bohut ho gaya! Bhai tumhe abhi jaagna hai." Akash said with a tone of severity.
"I am awake Akash. You made damn sure of that." Arnav said.
"No. I mean YOU. NEED. TO. WAKE. UP." He said and threw the morning paper at him. Arnav frowned, unsure of what his brother meant. He read the paper slowly, the words were dancing on the page. He read it again. Then again. One more time. This couldn't be. He scrunched up the paper in his fist until his veins jutted out of his hand.

*At AK Fashion House*

"Please take a seat." The Boss said and Khushi sat down skeptically. Why did he look so familiar to Khushi? Who was this man? What did he want?
"Maaf ki jiye...par aph bohut jaani-peshaani lagte hain. Hum isse pehelein khabi milein hai?" Khushi asked cautiously, glancing over his features again and again trying to work out his identity.
"Sharp. I like that. Shahid apne pehle dhyaan se nahin dekha lekin haan hum dono milein hai. Tumhein shahid yaad nahin kyunki tabh mein sirf ek employee tha aur apka dhyaan kahi aur tha." He said and then it clicked in Khushi's mind.
"Aman?" She asked astonished.
"Aman Khurana at your service." He said with a mini bow. Khushi had met him once briefly when she had first started working at AR. But he had just been Arnav's PA then. How did he build up all this in that time?
"Aapke pass toh bohut saare savaal hongein so let me cut to the chase. I'd been working for you arrogant and egotistical husband for four years of my life. Every step of his advancement had my hand in it. Did I get any recognition or promotion? No. He kept me as a lowly PA because I was good at what I did." Khushi could sense Aman's resentment towards Arnav but couldn't help feel sorry for him. She remembered how hard he worked for him, first in the office and last out. Then when Arnav was angry Aman was always the goat to slaughter. She could understand any bitterness he felt towards him, she most definitely related.
"Hamesha mujhe ek gulam ki tarra rakha. So I started saving up my money, designed this fashion house you are currently sat in. Then I spoke to his employees, I informed them that I was opening up my own Fashion House and that they would be more than welcome to join me. You may or may not have noticed that around 75% of my staff are AR staff who have all over a period of time handed in their notice and come to work for me. All of Arnav's best designers, marketers, event co-coordinators and PR staff now work for me." Khushi was shocked at this. Payal had mentioned that there was a staff shortage at AR and so there was extra work for Arnav to be doing but she hadn't anticipated this.

"Maaf kijiye. ye saabh business vagera mujhse kuch lenha dehna hai nahin. Toh mujhe kyun bhulaya gaya hain? Khushi interrupted.
"Tujshe lenha aur dehna dono hai Khushi." He said and a grin crept up on his face.
"Main kuch samjhi nahin." She said.
"You see Khushi, Arnav understands one thing and one thing only money. Money created that inflated ego, arrogance and pride. Without it he's nothing. AR Fashions is my main rival if I can bring that down I will be the reigning power of the textile and fashion industry here in India." He said and Khushi was still confused.
"Woh sabh toh tik hai lekin woh toh tumhare aur Arnavji khi beech-" She was halted by Aman's sudden movement. He walked over to her, put his hand on either side of her chair and looked at her with an intensity that made her cheeks burn.
"Khushi I need you." He said. Khushi's eyes widened had she heard him right?
"Kya?!" She asked.
"You are undoubtedly Arnav Singh Raizada's greatest weakness. He's arrogant but over you its a whole new level. You're his pride, now imagine how it would look if India's greatest Fashoin House's owner's wife was modelling for a rival company?" Aman said and Khushi was in even more shock. Modelling and her no.
"Aapka dimaak toh tik hai? Main aisa kuch nahin karne wali! She said, she was about to storm off when Aman knelt to the ground.
"Listen to me. Try to understand. I could have just taken his models like I took everyone else but I didn't. Did you ever think why?" He said and Khushi paused out of curiosity. "I wanted the face of my house to be you because you represent everything I have been through to get to here. I knew about the contract marriage, who do you think went to get it drafted?" Aman admitted with guilt on his face and Khushi mirrored humiliation. "I know what you went through and how they treated you. How HE treated you. Khushi don't you want to show them they didn't get to you? That they didn't break you? They insulted you, belittled you, made you hate yourself...don't you want to make them feel some remorse or shame for what they did?" Khushi wasn't sure why, but what Aman said made sense. The Raizada's had baisically gotten away with this without retribution. Khushi had always played it safe, left it to Devi Maiyaan to punish those who were deserving. But when she needed help most, saving most, there was nobody. Anjali lost her husband and so Khushi lost her's too. But when Khushi felt pain, shame and isolation why did Anjali not feel any of this. Aman sparked a dangerous train of thought in Khushi's mind and he knew it.

He stood up and smoothed down his suit. "Maine already announcement ki hai that you are the face of my company. I'm just waiting for your yes. Of course if you want to go back to the world of anonymity and un-importance then I'll say that there was a mistake and have a retraction written. But just look at this before you make your decision." Aman swiveled his mac round and Khushi saw a gossip column on the screen. There was a picture of a drunk Arnav and that model, who was apparently named Kalpana. He had a bottle of whiskey in one hand and her in the other. The article titled, "Tycoon out to play while wife is away." Khushi's blood boiled.
"Hum tayaar hain, apki company ki model banne ki liye." And with that there was no going back for Khushi.

*In The Raizada Mansion* 
"Bhai saaf likha hain. Aman is the one who has been poaching our staff. His company launched today. All our collection plans have been released ahead of our plans under his name. We have no claim on them because he took the designers and it was their work which you hadn't approved yet because of all this family melodrama!" Akash was clearly annoyed. Had Arnav been on the ball none of this would have happened. Arnav noticed Akash failed to comment on the main feature of the article aptly titled "AK Fashion House uses ASR's wife as Face - trouble in paradise?" He was aware that Khushi was jealous because of all the rumors flying around about he and Kalpana but she was actually a good friend and married. She kept it secret for the sake of her career but nothing would ever happen there. But for that to drive her to model for his rival, for such a filthy traitor like Aman, that wasn't his Khushi, it couldn't be his Khushi...he would net let this be his Khushi.
"Akash, Di I need to get ready." Akash nodded, he saw the fire in Arnav's eyes, it was enough to burn the whole world to ash, this assured Akash that Arnav would fix this. Arnav couldn't care less about the company at this moment in time, he could fix that with his eyes closed, he had always been business savvy. But he'd be damned if he lost Khushi to Aman Khurana.

Even Stars Burn: Chapter Four (Long overdue I know)

Hi all, I'm sorry I haven't updated in so long. I have my personal reasons why I didn't update, I had an overload of work and felt any update wouldn't be to my usual standard and I didn't want to dissapoint everyone. I am sorry for that and hope you will continue to support and read my work. Thanks for your patience, now....let's get back to the FF :) 


Khushi chewed on the inside of her mouth, her hand was itching to grab the pallu of her saree and whirl it around in her hands. But she knew he'd identify that action and realise she was upset and she didn't want him to have that satisfaction. If she had the batter and the fryer she could make a mountain out of jalebis and throw them over Arnav's head. The way he shamelessly surrounded himself with those half-naked models. Did he not feel any remorse, did he really have no respect for her? The grin he gave her answered her questions.
"Chee." Khushi said.
"Apne kuch kaha Bhabi?" Akash asked, Khushi looked up smiled and shook her head. What could be wrong except the fact that she was married to a pig?
"Main abhi aayi." She said and she excused herself. She saw there was a garden area, she walked through the french doors and as she did so she wiped a tear away. The cool air hit her and she breathed it in gladly. She needed it. She felt a-light with rage and pain. She had left him. But that didn't mean she didn't love him. The fact she did made her hate herself. How could she love such a thing? To love something that will never love you with the respect and intensity you deserve, well its a shame on love. Maybe it wasn't love at all.
"Yahaan akeli khari kya kharri hai?" An all too familiar voice said. She refused to turn, seeing his face would tip Khushi over the edge at this point in time.
"Dekhiya, mujhe kohi tamaasha nahin chahiye. Main baas. Abhi nikhalrahi thi, mujhe ghar jaana hai. Aur waisa bhi, tum yahaan kyun ayein, apni kohi time-pass ki saath waqt guzaariye na? Humara haal kyun poochre ho?" She asked, venom spewing from her voice, to mask the pain she felt cripple her heart.
"Oh come on Khushi, biwi ho tum meri. Aapka haal nahin poochonga toh phir kiska poochonga?" He said, she could hear the smile in his voice and she couldn't help herself. She turned-

And blew Arnav's breath away, even with rage in her eyes she was a vision in red.
"Dekhiye, tum humara paati ho toh phir kuch hi dinno ki liye. Uske baad tum aur main, hum dono iss choote rishte se azaad. Lekin! Tab tak, tab tak Mr. Raizada aapko iss rishte ki izzat karna padenga." She said and Arnav rolled his eyes. Really, she'd gone back to that? After all they'd been through? Arnav felt his blood boil.
"Oh really? Jaise tumne kiya? Tell me Khushi how many wives that respect their husbands leave their home to live with their parents? Bolo, abh chup kyun hai, come on, bolo na, tell me DAMMIT!" He said as he grabbed her wrists and shook her. Those doe like eyes looked up at him and he instantly regretted it.
"Main shuru main sahi thi." Khushi said.
"What?" Arnav asked baffled.
"Aap pyaar kar hi nahin sakte, aap pyaar ki kaabil hi nahin, tum toh sirf aukaad dikhana aur haq jaatana aata hai. Aggar tum such main mujhe pyaar karte, toh aap-" The tears streamed down Khushi's face, Arnav raised a hand to wipe him, the apology ready on his lips.
"Chodiye, tumhe bataana main kya faida? Tumne mujhe khabi samja, meri nazaariya se khabi dekha? Agar dekha hota toh tum khabi mujhe shaadi hi nahin khi hothi!" Khushi said with a cold laugh.
"What does that mean?" He asked.
"It means Mr. Raizada, aggar ek bhar, tumne mujhe khabi bhi samja, you would have never thought I would have an affair and with your brother-in-law of all people. But you thought that and for your sister you married me. Tumne mujhe galaat teheraiya, aur khabi mujhse saach bolne ka mauka hi nahin diya. You want respect?  You don't get respect by demanding it, your actions should make people respect you. Lekin afsaus ki baat hai, itna bade aadmi hokhe tumhari soch bilkul choti hai. Mera pyaar toh dhur baat hai, aur meri chaapal bhi tumhari izaat nahin karti." She said and before he had a chance to even defend himself she ran away. Arnav began to run after her but as he ran inside, he was dragged to his seat as his fashion show had began. Where once at a fashion show their love story began, could it be possible that today, here, when Arnav loved Khushi, their love story would end?


Khushi made it home, just about. She locked her doors and collapsed onto her bed and cried all those tears she had held back and let out the pain she'd been holding in. How could he be so cruel? Khushi could see the bruises on her wrists and was haunted by Arnav Singh Raizada the monster. When she'd fallen in love with Arnav Singh Raizada the man. Was it possible that she'd made him up? In love she'd been blinded and only now she could see his reality? Maybe this divorce was for the best....

Even Stars Burn: Chapter Three

Khushi paced around her room, waiting, thinking, trying not to go insane. She wished so badly that Arnav had not visited her that night because since he had, he was all that plagued her thoughts. It had been a week since his visit and yet she could still feel her heartbeat pick up whenever she thought of him. He'd come with huge proclamations and promises but what had happened? Nothing, he did not call, he did not visit, he didn't even seem to care whether she was alive or dead...it pained Khushi more than she wished to admit. Why? Why was it that if she was here in turmoil and pain that he could so easily go on with his life? Why was it that he could make her life into nothing less than a living hell and he could go on leading his privileged life? Khushi was working herself into a state. Payal would come to visit her regularly and although Khushi didn't ask she always informed her about Arnav. Apparently he was very busy with meetings and models, he was burying himself in work...more like distracting himself with women. Khushi couldn't believe that at one time she had actually love-...it didn't matter any more though did it? Her eyes stung as unwanted tears began to stream down her cheek. She quickly wiped them away. This was not a time to feel sorry for herself, this is what she wanted. She wanted him to give up. To let her be....but was she really not worth fighting for? Was everything they had not worth it? To give up so easily....it made Khushi second-guess whether what they had was real or not? Was she just another name on a list? She had thought she was more than that....

Arnav was in the office, pretending to work...truthfully he didn't have the concentration or the energy for any of this but he needed the façade to evoke something from Khushi. He knew that if he smothered her in attention, flattery and gifts she would only accuse him of flaunting his money. So he decided instead to deprive her, starve her of love. It was what she was doing to him, he would not bend to her immature whims, if she cared, she would come to him. He knew she wouldn't come back to the Raizada home, but she'd find a way of getting to him.

Khushi was busy re-arranging her bedroom for the hundredth time, anything to keep herself busy, anything to stop herself from thinking about him. That's when her eyes fell on today's paper. Her eyes widened and her mouth was wide open, she lifted it, digested the knowledge and then tore up the paper. She barged into her room, opened the wardrobe and found a red lace saree, she'd bought it when she and Arnav were together and she'd been saving it for a special time, an anniversary, birthday or just a special time shared together. Instead she would use it tonight.

There was a slight chill in the breeze tonight, Arnav decided to keep his suit jacket on as he walked towards the hotel. He walked into the banquet hall and began to talk to dignitaries and established business men such as himself, when his eyes caught sight of something. At first he thought it was his mind playing tricks, the sleep deprivation had finally got to him. But he was wrong, he knew that face, he knew those eyes, he knew that girl.
"Khushi." The word escaped his lips without his intention to do so. Her hair was out, her eyes smoky and her saree hung from her petite frame in a way that only Arnav felt he could and should appreciate fully. Arnav couldn't believe it had worked, he had made sure that in all the papers it clearly stated that he was holding an exclusive party to show off the "AR Fall Line" however he never anticipated that she would actually come...hoped yes, but the fact that she was here...

Khushi was walking around the room, smiling, laughing and talking to anyone that would engage with her. She had managed to swindle an invitation from Payal on the pretence that she meant to make up with Arnav tonight, but she had no intention of doing so. She had spotted Arnav from the corner of her eyes and regretted coming here immediately  She'd forgotten the effect he had on her, her heartbeat picked up, her thoughts began to jumble around in her mind, she felt all those feelings flood back to her which she had intended to bury deep within. She was fully aware that their contract marriage was due to expire soon but while they were still married there was no way she would allow him to be unfaithful to her, he owed her that much. In the papers they insinuated that there was a model whom he had a special interest in and Khushi was here to put a stop to that, that was all. She had no interest in his deep brown eyes, or that coy look he would give her when they would talk about romantic things and she didn't care that he looked especially dashing today in his crisp black suit. No, Khushi was just here to ensure that he did not further insult the joke of a marriage between the two of them.

Arnav couldn't believe that she had fallen for the bait, really, was she so sceptical and insecure of their love that she truly believed he could so easily replace her. Khushi really was pagal if she believed that? Well, let the games begin...

Even Stars Burn: Chapter One

Khushi didn't give anyone time to appeal or appease her, she ran up to what was, her's and Arnav's room, but after tonight it would go back to being Arnav's room. Everyone heard the door shut behind her and they stood in silence. Arnav was shocked, how could she? Why would she? She can't leave him. This was unacceptable for Arnav. He began to move to go stop Khushi from leaving when he felt a hand claw at his wrist.
"Chotte, usse jaanedijiye." Anjali said, her face was completely blank, it was as if she was numb inside. Devoid of emotion, she didn't even realise that she was putting the family, her brother in particular through hell. Payal was looking to Akash to say something, to do something but if Arnav was hesitant to say anything to Di then Akash didn't have much of a chance to stand up for Khushi.
"Di, I...you can't expect me to do that?" Arnav said, almost pleading. Anjali turned to him.
"Kyun? When my husband was leaving this house, did I say a word? Did you hear me go to stop him? Aggar main sab kuch sehsakti toh tum bhi sehna parega. Let her go, only then will our house become a home again." Anjali said. Arnav looked at his Di shocked. Was she serious right now? He understood her being upset but Khushi's leaving was not the answer to the problems going on at the moment.
"Di, I love and respect you, but, your husband was in the wrong, not my wife. He got the punishment he deserved, so why are you punishing Khushi when she hasn't done anything to deserve punishment?" Anrav said and Anjali gave him a cold look. "Maybe your forgetting Di, your husband had me kidnapped, he planned to kill me and take all of our wealth, Khushi was the one who risked everything and got me back here. So don't. Don't you dare tell me to just let her go." Arnav said as he shook his Di's hand off of his wrist.

Arnav stormed into the room to find Khushi furiously packing her stuff into a suitcase. Arnav walked towards her but she ignored him and continued to pack.
"Khushi, yeh kya pagalpaan hai? Stop behaving like a child, neeche ajao and we'll all discuss this rationally like adults." Arnav said as he grabbed her by the shoulders, his eyes looked straight into hers, while his were burning with the intensity of love Khushi's burned with rage. Khushi recalled the months of torture she had endured in the beginning of this marriage, all the abuse, all the hate and isolation she endured all those months. She looked at Arnav, she felt the love for him in her heart but it was clouded with these unpleasant memories. Khushi wanted a loving and happy marriage...this wasn't it.
"Choriye humain Arnavji, humko kisi se baat nahin karni, nahi kahi par jaana hain, kaas kar ke tumhare saath toh bilkul bhi nahin." She said and Arnav tightened his grip on Khushi.
"What do you mean especially not with me? Kya aap bhool gayi ki main tumhara-"
"Pati hoon? Kaisi bhool sakti, woh contract jo hain jo humko roz yaad dilati hoon." Khushi said as she tore herself from Arnav's grasp. "Pehle toh main sochti thi ki itne mahine bakhi hai Arnavji ki saath, abh toh baas itne haafte hai Arnavji ki saath, abh toh baas kuch hi din bahki hai. Lekin humko maaf karna abh hum kuch aur nahin sehsakte. Arre joh shaadi hum khabi karna nahin chathe teh, usko bachane ki kya zuroorat hai, jab kuch hi din main tutnewali hai." Khushi said and Arnav felt his arms go slack, had she really been counting the time till she was free from him? Was she so miserable in this marriage.
"Khushi, I-"
"Nahin Arnavji. Apne hamesha bhola aur hamesha maine suna, lekin aaj tum meri baat sunoge. All I wanted was a marriage full of love and happiness. I wanted to come into a home where I could be part of a haasta khilta parivaar. Lekin tumne mere saare armaan, mere saare khwabon ko tordhiya! Kyun kiya aisa? Kyun?!" Khushi shouted at him, but before Arnav could find the words to say to Khushi, Khushi had errupted again.
"Of course, you did it for Di. Your great and wonderful Di, you thought that I was having an affair with Shyam. Me? Did you really think I was that characterless? That I had no morals? That just proves that you never knew and you never understood me! I'm going so that your Di can be happy, so do me a favour and just let me go, spare me the dramatics." Khushi said as she lifted her suitcase and pushed past Arnav.

Something in that moment snapped inside Arnav, he grabbed Khushi's wrist and spun her around so that their bodies were pressed against each other.
"Listen to me Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. I love you. I admit I made mistakes but I am trying here. I am trying my best for you, for Di, for me, hell for us! Does that mean nothing to you? Does this-" Arnav took her hand and raised it to his chest. "Does this mean nothing to you?!" Arnav said and Khushi closed her eyes as she could feel the rough, heavy and fast heartbeats of Arnav's. She opened her eyes.
"There was a time when it did matter...but not any-more." Khushi said as she removed her hand from his chest. Arnav still held her close to him, he could feel the rise and fall of her chest as they both breathed heavily, Khushi never meeting Arnav's eyes, but Arnav always had his eyes locked on Khushi.
"This is not over." He said, a tone of defiance and an air of arrogance were clear. Khushi took a deep breath, she could smell his cologne, she could feel his tight grip on her wrist and his body, so painfully close to hers. She looked up at him.
"Yes it is Arnavji. I can't take any-more of this. I wont. Goodbye." She said and she began to pull away, she turned away from Arnav, when she felt a slight pull as he still refused to let go of her.
"Khushi, you are my wife, the one and only wife I plan to have. This. Is. Not. Over." Arnav said, possessiveness ebbed out of his every word. Khushi clenched her jaw, she knew engaging in any-more conversation with him would lead to a weakening in her resolve. Instead she shook her hand free and proceeded to leave the Raizada Mansion. Khushi was walking through the living room and although the majority of the family members were pleading for Khushi to stay, asking her to be reasonable and patient, Khushi did not listen. This is because, one very important member remained still with a stony silence and Khushi knew that until Anjali was convinced of Khushi's innocence, Khushi could never live peacefully in Shaantivan. Khushi paused at the doorstep as a flood of memories hit her like a wave in the ocean. She remembered her accidental visit for the first time to Shantivan, the time she spent working here, the jokes and fun she had here and then the moment she was forced to live here through her contract marriage, the way that nobody spoke to her, the way everybody shunned her, then the way she was insulted by Shyam and finally how Anjali had belittled her today. A solitary tear fell from Khushi's eyes, which she quickly wiped away. She opened the door and left, she didn't even look back because if she had, she would have seen a very broken Arnav at the top of the stairs willing her internally not to leave...

Read other parts to this here.

Dark Paradise: The Final Chapter

Khushi was in the nursery, she sat in the rocking chair with Abhay in her arms and gently swayed to and fro, attempting to get Abhay to settle. She was exhausted, Abhay didn't seem to like sleeping at night, instead he liked to cry the whole house down. Khushi looked down at her now sleeping and seemingly angelic son.
"Bilkul apne Pappa par gaye hai yeh, chotta laad governor." She said whilst smiling at him. She looked around the room and her eyes focused on the framed photo of her and Arnav. She smiled and a strong feeling of nostalgia hit her, a painful pang hit her heart as she wistfully recalled her journey with Arnav that bought her here. Someone very close to her once told her that when you meet the person you belong with you just know....This wasn't true for Khushi, for months she hated and felt enraged by Arnav but then slowly, gradually and unknowingly, it happened. ASR became Arnavji and from Arnavji to Arnav, the man who she loved, respected and honestly could not live without. Marrying Arnav and realising her love for him was the best thing that happened to her life, well best after Abhay. She continued rocking in the chair, with Abhay peacefully sleeping, when Arnav walked in. Khushi looked at him, surprised, it was four in the morning, he had work in four hours.
"Arnav, aap-" Khushi began.
"Shhhhh." Arnav said as he walked in stealthily. He reached where Abhay and Khushi were, he was afraid he'd wake Abhay by speaking and so he acted out what he wanted to say. He pointed to Abhay, then he folded his hands together and rested his head on them whilst closing his eyes. Khushi smiled, Arnav opened his eyes and Khushi nodded. Arnav looked at Abhay with that half-side smile, that would always make Khushi's heart beat that little bit fasted. He looked up to Khushi, he held his arms out, tilting his head towards the crib. Khushi gently passed Abhay to Arnav, whose strong and ready hands cradled him gently and then Arnav tucked his son into the bed and placed a kiss on his forehead. Khushi walked over and joined her husband by the crib, Arnav put an arm around her. Neither of them said a word, they didn't need to, everything they wanted was right here.

They walked back into their room and when the doors were shut and the baby monitor turned on Khushi turned to Arnav.
"How come you came into the nursery? Did Abhay wake you?" She asked and Arnav joined her on the bed, he leant against the headboard, Khushi shifted herself so her head lay on his chest and Arnav wound an arm around her.
"No, when you got up around two, I thought about getting up but I know I have this big presentation in the morning so I tried to sleep...but I couldn't. I just sleep better knowing you two are okay and if we're being precise, I sleep better knowing you're next to me." He said as he planted a kiss on the top of her head. Khushi smiled and looked up at Arnav. Who would have thought that a year down the line, Arnav Singh Raizada would have become such an integral part of Khushi Kumari Gupta's life? Arnav cupped his hands around her face and they shared a deep kiss. When the kiss broke, Khushi wound herself more tightly around her husband.
"I'm just better in general when you're around." She said, she then buried her head into Arnav's chest and murmured, "I love you." Arnav smiled as he felt the vibrations of Khushi's voice against her chest, knowing full well what she was saying. He held Khushi close to himself, it amazed him sometimes how much he'd changed since Khushi had entered his life. Never in his deepest thoughts had he imagined himself, ASR business tycoon to become loving husband and father. He never wanted it, all his life Arnav had lived under the misconception that love made a man weak and so he ran from it his whole life. That was until he met Khushi and learnt that love can be a man's weakness but it can also be his greatest strength. Without Khushi's love he'd never have been able to reveal Shyam's truth, he would never have taken the leap of faith in love and he would have never become committed to someone so completely. Khushi Kumari Gupta had changed his life irrevocably, as since he'd experienced this happy bliss Arnav never wanted to return to the cold isolationist way he lived his life before Khushi and Abhay.
"I love you too." He said aloud, but to deaf ears as Khushi had drifted into sleep, Arnav shut his eyes, finally content. So many fights, struggles and griefs had shaken their lives that only now, could they truly enjoy the happiness in their lives. Arnav Singh Raizada and Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada were bound in such a way that sometimes they felt as though their partner was the biggest annoyance of the other's life whilst at the same time they always thanked God that they had each other.


The End.

Read all other parts to this FF here


Author's note: Okay guys, that is the end of Dark Paradise, I hope you loved it as much as I loved writing this FF. But just to let you know I wont be gone for long, I'm planning to start the new Arshi FF during this week so keep an eye out for that. Also, a BIG BIG BIG thank you to all my loyal and lovely readers out there. I could not have done this without your kind words, encouragement and support. 
Thank you, 
Jas x

Okay this is kind of important and I would appreciate your input for Dark Paradise

Hi guys, as you know I started this fanfiction way back in February and I have been overwhelmed by the response I've gotten and I've loved every minute of it. However, recentley I feel like I've come to an end with "Dark Paradise" this is because I was only originally going to write it to the point where Shyam's truth was revealed but I extended it with the pregnancy plot. Now that that's happened I don't feel there's much to explore with this fanfiction. I will write another chapter update and an epilogue but I feel there is little to do with this fanfiction now. But that does not mean I will stop writing, I have plans for another FF which I think you will all like, based around the recent events in the show, showing how Arnav is remorseful, but unlike in the show Khushi is unwilling to co-operate and so there will be a lot more tension, romance and nauk-jauk in this FF. I would really appreciate it if you all would continue to read and support me in my work. If you are all really unhappy with this FF ending then I may write a sequel to it, but I'm not sure how good that would be if I'm honest. Thank you for your time please leave your thoughts, requests and comments on this post. Thank you. Jas :)

Dark Paradise Chapter Fifty Two

Arnav was the first to go see Khushi, everyone respected the fact that the two needed some time alone after all the stress they'd been through. Arnav walked in to see a sleeping Khushi, she was hooked up to an IV, she was weak but only due to tiredness and stress. The doctors had assured him numerous times that she was okay. He sat down on a chair beside her, when he looked up he saw Khushi's brow crinkle as she slowly began to wake up. She looked confused as she took in the new settings of her hospital room, the last she remembered she was in the operating theatre and after that it was all blurry. She looked to see Arnav who smiled at her and she smiled back. One of her hands drifted to meet his, it didn't travel far as Arnav encased it in his hand, the other went to her stomach when the realisation hit her. There was no baby inside her anymore...she didn't know what had happened, they said there was a possibility she could lose the baby and there was most certainly no baby here.
"Arnav...the baby...where's the baby, where's our baby? Everything's okay isn't it?" She asked panicked.
"Khushi, shhhh, its okay, everything's fine, the baby is fine." Arnav assured her. "They had to move the baby into the premature baby wing to run some tests to see if everything is alright, so far our baby is passing all the tests with flying colours so don't panic. He's a strong one." Arnav said, as he uttered his last sentence he paid particular attention to Khushi's face. Of course there was relief at the news their baby was healthy and fine but then there was confusion, a small smile twitched at the tip of her lips and soon a broad beaming smile lit up her face.
"You said he...iska matlam hai ki....ki...ki..." Khushi couldn't finish her sentence she was so happy.
"You got what you wanted Khushi, we have a boy and what a boy we have. You know Khushi the doctors were telling me that normally in these circumstances they see a lot of problems with kids, I saw it myself when I went to go see our son, so many little babies and they were suffering so much, but not our son. He's a fighter and he's strong, he reminds me of you like that." Arnav said and Khushi looked up with love and pride in her eyes. Khushi went very quiet and Arnav noticed this.
"What's wrong Jaan?" Arnav asked and Khushi looked up to him.
"What are we going to name him?" She asked.

Two weeks later, Khushi and Baby Raizada, who was still without a name were being discharged. Arnav had his car ready outside, car seat ready and he was impatiently waiting as Khushi was changing their baby into a baby blue and white striped baby grow. She smiled as she fit him into a now snug fitting baby grow, their baby was healthy, his weight and growth were progressing normally and by the graces of God there were no other problems to be concerned about. Arnav tapped his foot.
"Khushi, come on let's go, Di will be waiting at home with everyone else, they'll be worrying where we are." He said. Khushi ignored him and decided to speak to her son instead.
"Oh my baby, you look so handsome, aaj we're going home today my little ladoo, you'll see all you're family and you'll get to see your Di Aradhana aur hum sab bohut masti karoge." Khushi snuck a glance at Arnav who still looked unimpressed. "Lekin, abhi we need to go kyunki tumhari kadoos Pappa is getting mad." She said as she lifted their son into her arms. "Chalo, honestly Arnav you take too much time with these things." Khushi said as she walked past an irritated Arnav. Once they reached Shantivan Anjali was ready with her taal, Arnav and Khushi their home for the first time with their son. They all sat in the living room and Arnav took their son from Khushi's hands so that she could relax a little.
"Toh humare grand-nephew ke khatir naam to socha hi ki nahin?" Manorma mammi asked and Khushi scrunched her face.
"Nahin, whenever I look at his face I become confused, akkir kya naam doon is bache ko? Meri toh samaj mein nahin arri. Whatever names I liked before don't suit him." Khushi admitted. Arnav looked down at his son who was smiling with recognition at Arnav.

Arnav looked up to see everyone was deep in thoughts no doubt about what to name him. Payal was holding Aradhana.
"We had no problems naming this one, lekin humare ladoo ki liye mushkil kaam hain naam chuna." Payal admitted and Arnav scowled, Khushi had already kept his nickname, Ladoo, well Payal had decided it. Apparently the two sisters had some sort of agreement and so now everyone in the family called Arnav Singh Raizada's son Ladoo. Arnav cleared his throat and everyone looked up to him.
"Well considering I'm the Father and I haven't really cleared this with Khushi, but I think I have a name for him." Arnav said and Khushi turned to look at him.
"It better not be some long winded and old-fashion name, I refuse to have my son sound like an old man." Khushi said and Arnav rolled his eyes.
"Will you give me a chance, have a little faith Khushi." He said, he took a deep breath. "Well after he was born and we found out he was okay despite all the possible problems and complications that could have occurred, I started thinking. Our son's name needed to be something that captured his fighting spirit, the spirit with which he entered this world, just like Khushi's name captures her happy spirit I wanted something like that for our son." Arnav said, he looked at his son and then at Khushi. "So, I thought about Abhay, it means fearless and I like that, I think it suits him." Arnav said as he looked proudly at his fearless little fighter. Khushi mulled over this, Abhay, fearless...it did suit him and she actually liked it. She smiled.
"Abhay Singh Raizada. I like it." She said as she said it out-loud. Everyone smiled.
"Kya dhamaka wala naam raka." Manorma mami said. Akash smiled.
"Yes Bhai, nobody will dare mess with Abhay Singh Raizada. I'm sure he'll drive the same fear into people's hearts that you do. He will be a force to reckon with, without a doubt." Akash said proudly. Khushi intervened.
"Haan, haan, office mein sher lekin mere samne bilee." Khushi said as she began to laugh. Arnav turned to give her one of those chilling looks which used to render her immobile and then he smiled.
"Bilee my foot, kyun Abhay?" Arnav said as he asked his son who responded with a gurgle and Arnav laughed at that.
"This isn't fair, you can't use Abhay to gang up on me, he's my Ladoo, he'll always agree with his Mamma, kyun mere Ladoo?" Khushi said to Abhay as she puckered her lips and began to make extremely odd facial expressions at their child, Abhay smiled at Khushi who then stuck her tongue out at Arnav.

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Dark Paradise Chapter Fifty One

Arnav was waiting outside the operating theatre, Akash, Payal, Buaji, Garima and Shashi were with him. Payal's eyes were raw and red from crying, her Buaji and Amma were in a similar state. Akash sat next to Arnav, unsure of what to say at this time, what was the right thing to say? If he gave words of optimism he could be giving his Bhai false hope and if he was realistic...he didn't want to say anything. They all waited in silence. Mamiji walked towards them, Akash stood up and went to her.
"Akash bitua Anjali ko ek sweetsa betiwa hogaye, hum aph sab ko batane ki liye ayein teh, Khushi ka kya hua, sab tik hai na?" Manorma asked Akash in hushed tones so only Akash could here. Akash gave a small smile.
"That's great news Ma, lekin Bhabi..." Akash struggled to find words to explain to his mother what had happened to Khushi but he knew he had to. Once Akash had explained everything, the colour in Manorma's face paled and faded. She immediately looked at Arnav, Anjali had taken on the maternal role in Arnav's life after their mother had passed away but Manorma had always felt she and Arnav were very close. Few people respected Manorma and her eccentric ways, but Arnav always did and Manorma could not handle seeing Arnav in this state. Arnav's face was weary, pale, his gaze was focused but his mind seemed to be miles away, deep in thought, his jaw was clenched and his hands in fists. Manorma went over to Arnav, she placed a hand on his shoulder, he jerked his head around to see Mamiji, she smiled meekly at him but Arnav just looked away.
"Arnav bitua, kuch nahin hoga Khushi bitiya ko nahin kuch hoga tumhari bacha ko. Bhas, hosla rak." Manorma said, Arnav didn't respond. His thoughts were lost in Khushi, he recalled all those instances when he and Khushi had unknowingly been forced together, when she accidently reached his Lucknow fashion show, when she joined his office, when he saved her from the building, when she came to work at the Raizada house and then when they married...a marriage which started off as a way to reveal the truth about Shyam and as well as doing that it forced them to both realise a simple truth...Arnav and Khushi, despite the reluctancy, the hatred, the annoyance and the obstacles were meant to be together.

Nothing could tear them apart, not his arrogance, her naivety, not Shyam and this most certainly was not going to tear them apart. Arnav felt fear in his heart, it was true but more than that he felt the intense love he had for Khushi. Khushi who had awoken a side of Arnav he had buried deep inside of him long ago, she appeared in his life and changed it irrevocably. After giving him all the world's happiness she couldn't leave him, he wouldn't let her. Arnav and Khushi had woven so many dreams for the future, Khushi wanted to travel, see and do things she'd never been able to do, they both wanted to have more children, they decided three was a nice number, they were going to watch their children grow and they would do it together. Khushi couldn't leave him mid-way with half-fulfilled dreams.
"Bhai." Akash said and Arnav came back to his current reality, his wife was in the operating theatre, both his wife and his child's life hung in the balance and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. "Bhai, Di had a little girl, she's healthy and they're both safe. Payal and I are going to quickly go see Di and check she's okay, are you okay here?" Akash asked and Arnav nodded. "We'll be back as soon as we can...call me if there's any news." Akash said, Arnav nodded and returned back to the purgatory that was waiting. Arnav thought about how happy he'd been when he realised that he was going to be a Father...but if he'd have known Fatherhood could cost him Khushi's life then he could have lived without. There was no way Arnav could do this without her. There was a reason behind why Arnav never wanted to marry, he never wanted to have the pain of loving, love always bought pain, it didn't matter if anyone was at fault or like Arnav and Khushi you were victims of fate there was always pain in love's path. Arnav wanted an easy life, he had his business and success and that's all he needed. But when Khushi came along, love snuck up on him and he had no choice but to love her as he had the most intense feelings for her, her absence made him restless and her presence caused him joy. She had become an integral part of himself and his life. Arnav snapped out of his thoughts when he heard a cry, a faint wail from a baby. He looked up to the operating theatre, the light was still on but he could hear his baby's cry. He knew it was his and Khushi's baby. His heart picked up pace, if the baby was born that must mean that atleast a part of the operation was successful. The light was still lit above the operating theatre...why weren't they finished yet? Arnav couldn't help but wonder, if the baby was born what else could they be doing? What if...what if there was a complication? They said it was risky for the baby and Khushi....oh god....oh god. Arnav couldn't help but imagine the worst, his heart was beating at a manic rate and he couldn't control his fear. The light went off and Arnav practically jumped to his feet. The Doctor came out, she scanned the hallway and then saw Arnav who had already made his way to her.

"Doctor, kaisi hai Khushi? Aur humara Bacha sab tik hai? Khushi tik hai na? She's okay isn't she? And the baby, everything's okay with the baby?"  Arnav asked panicked. The Doctor raised he hands.
"Mr. Raizada please calm down, there was a lot of blood loss during the surgery but everything went smoothly. You're wife is very weak at the moment but she will improve. We have to move the baby to another wing where we care for premature babies, we'll have to observe the baby to ensure there are no immediate or long term problems but at the minute it looks quite positive. Your son is very strong Mr. Raizada, despite being one and a half months early he's a healthy 6 pounds and four ounces, he would have been quite a heavy baby had Mrs. Raizada carried him full term. But as I said after we've checked him over and if he is healthy you can take the baby and Mrs. Raizada when she is well enough, home." She said and Arnav froze...he had a son....Khushi and Arnav were parents...they had a son. He was overjoyed but he wanted to see them both.
"Doctor can I see them?" He asked and the Doctor smiled.
"We're just shifting Mrs. Raizada to the maternity wing and the baby, will unfortunately be separate to Mrs. Raizada so you'd have to see them separately." She said, Arnav nodded and decided to go see his son first as Khushi was still being shifted to the Maternity ward. The news spread amongst the Raizada's and the Gupta's and everyone was happy that Khushi was safe, Arnav and Khushi had had a boy and the baby was strong despite the early birth. Arnav reached the wing and entered the room, there were tiny, fragile and underdeveloped babies in incubators. Arnav walked through and silently prayed that each one of these babies survive. He reached his son's incubator, there was a sign that said, baby Arnav Singh Raizada. They had used the father's name as they had no time to ask Arnav and Khushi for a name, even if they had Arnav and Khushi hadn't decided on one. Compared to some of the other babies, Arnav's baby looked healthy, his body was long, there wasn't a lot of weight but once he came home, Arnav was sure Khushi would take care of feeding him to her chubby requirements. His son's eyes were shut and he slept soundly bundled up, his small chest rising and falling. It was amazing, he had Khushi's fine black hair, her long slender nose but he had Arnav's strong jaw, distinctive lips and to Arnav's amusement his frown. Arnav stared in wonderment, when his son began to stir, he opened his eyes and as Arnav looked into them he nearly had to do a double-take because he felt as though he was looking into Khushi's eyes. Their son had Khushi's light hazel eyes and the same depth in them, Arnav could see the curiosity and slight fear in his son's eyes as his son gazed at him for the first time. This feeling was something Arnav could not explain and it was something he could not put a price on. It was perfect.

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Dark Paradise Chapter Fifty

Anjali's Godh Barhai went smoothly and everyone was exhausted, Arnav was particularly irritated by the notion that men were not allowed to attend but he wasn't about to follow suit with Akash and NK who had previously entered such functions(Payal's Mehendi)  in sarees and then paid the price. Exhausted Arnav went up to his and Khushi's room to find her standing by the french doors near the poolside. Her expression was distant, her hands gently caressed her bump as she looked hazily at the stars. Arnav shut their bedroom door, but Khushi didn't register the noise. Arnav became a little concerned and so he walked up close to her and wrapped his arms around her, placing his hands on hers above the bump. She suddenly registered his presence and looked up at him, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Kya hua? Aaj raat, poolside ke paas?" Arnav asked and Khushi shook her head.
"Kuch nahin, baas Amma aur Bauji ki yaad arri thi, toh socha ki yahaan unke saat todhi bohut waqt guzaarongi." She said as she looked up at the stars. Khushi herself was due to become a mother soon and she couldn't help but miss her own, it was true that Garima has always done her best to be there for Khushi but it isn't the same as having your own mother at that time. Khushi had had so many fears and questions during her pregnancy, she didn't have her own mother to turn to, she had no mother-in-law in the Raizada house. She just had women who did undoubtedly care for her but unfortunately were not her own blood. Khushi had mainly relied on Di for her questions not to mention how much Arnav had been helping her. But still it was hard, Di was in the same situation and so she found comfort in talking to her but she didn't like making Di sad by talking about all this and so Khushi today decided to seek comfort in the stars.

Arnav looked at her face and he rested his head on her shoulder and breathed deeply. 

"They'd be proud of you Khushi, everything you've been through and how you've come out of it all. Think about it Jaan. First your parents die, did you become cold and distant like me? No you still loved your life, you remained hopeful, optimistic and strong. Then when we met and everything happened with Payal's wedding, your Babuji's business and...Shyam. I mean a lot of people wouldn't have handled everything like you did. Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada." He said as he turned her around and tilted her chin up. "You are so strong, we're going to have a baby soon and I know that you will be just as wonderful at raising our baby as you have been with facing life. You probably wont even need me to help. I know you you'll get all, "Rehne dijiye Arnav yeh tumhare baas ki baat nahin hai."" He said as he attempted to imitate Khushi. Khushi hit him playfully but then smiled and titled her head so it lay on his chest. She wrapped her arms around him and sighed.
"Aap humare saath rahein toh sab kuch ucha hi hoga, maine bohut kuch khoya hai zindagi mein, lekin abh nahin." Khushi said and Arnav held her tighter, he knew how she was feeling. There were times when Arnav would look at his life, family and in particular his wife and think about how unfair it was that he couldn't share any of this with his parents. They weren't here to see the man he had become, see how he cared for Di always and supported this family and now how he was going to become a father. They weren't there and there was nobody who could take their place. But Khushi was right, now was not the time to focus on what they lost, they had both come from dark beginnings but now was the time when all would become better in their life. Arnav suddenly became tense as he felt Khushi grip painfully onto him.
"Khushi kya hua?" He asked as she began to groan and squeal.
"Arnav, dard... hora... hai."  Khushi said as best she could, she felt unbearable and searing pain.
"Dard? Kahan par?" Arnav asked.
"Peth mein." Khushi said, she couldn't handle this, she gripped her stomach and bit the sides of her cheek. Arnav looked confused.
"No, no, no. This can't be right, Khushi you're not due for another two months!" Arnav said.
"ARNAV!" Khushi screamed, Arnav now coming out of shock, grabbed Khushi and lifted her up, she could hardly move as a result of the pain. Ambulances always took too long and so he decided to drive her to the Hospital. As he made his way out he saw that Akash was helping Di to the door too. Arnav and Akash exchanged looks. The rest of the family were looking concerned and stood behind Akash. Akash decided to explain.
"Di's water broke." Akash said and Arnav nodded.
"Khushi's having pains...I don't think its normal." Arnav admitted. Khushi wasn't concentrating on words, she was cluctching Arnav's chest on the verge of weeping, whereas Anjali was very calm and was only now becoming worked up after seeing Khushi's state. Arnav looked around at the family who all looked ready to go to the Hospital also. 

"Look we can't all go in one car, Akash you take Di with Mamma, Mami and Nani. Payal you come with us and stay with Khushi while I drive." He said, Payal shook her head and followed Arnav as Arnav carried a pained Khushi to the car. 

They reached the Hospital, Di and Khushi were in separate rooms. Di was being prepped for Labour whereas Khushi was being monitored and tested. Arnav was next to her, Khushi wa writhing with pain, tears forming in her eyes.
"Arnav, bohut dard hora hai, yeh logh kuch karte kyun nahin." Khushi said, her tone was more of a plea of desperation. Arnav was finding it extremely difficult to watch her in this state. He caressed her face.
"Jaan they can't give you any painkillers kyunki bache par assar hosakta hai. They're doing some tests, everything will be alright." Arnav said as he tried to reassure Khushi but he himself didn't know what was going on. Khushi gripped her stomach when she felt something, she raised her hand and began to cry aloud.

"Arnav....ARNAV! KHOON!" She screamed at her hand, her hospital gown now had a large amount of blood staining it. Khushi was shaking with fear, Arnav was in shock.
"K-khoon, khoon....N-nurse....NURSE! DOCTOR!" Arnav shouted, multiple nurses and their doctor came running in. The Doctor took one look at Khushi and began to quietly explain to the Nurses to change Khushi's bedding and clothes and prep her for surgery. She took Arnav to one side.
"Doctor kya hua Khushi ko? Aur humara bacha, bacha toh tik hai na?" He asked and the Doctor looked sympathetically at Arnav.
"Mr. Raizada, apki wife ko as we call it "Placental abruption" ho gaya. This is when the placenta breaks away from the baby aur baby ko oxygen aur khana dono nahin milta. She's going to need to have a C-section right away as this is dangerous for both the baby and your wife." The doctor said and Arnav digested all of this. Here he was again, at the cusp of happiness with everything, his whole world being snatched from beneath his feet. This is exactly why Arnav never believed in God because any benevolent God would not cause this much pain to one person and especially would not endanger someone as devoted as Khushi again and again. 

"Mr. Raizada." The Doctor said as she bought Arnav back from his dark thoughts. "We have to operate immediately, we suspect the abruption is minor but its still dangerous, we need you to sign this consent form." She said as she handed the form to him, he signed it and as he gave it to the Doctor he paused. 

"Doctor, lekin Khushi aur humara bacha toh tik hogein na?" Arnav asked. The Doctor looked at him sympathetically, she took the papers and squeezed Arnav's shoulder. 

"We will do our best Mr. Raizada. But I cannot assure anything." She said.

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Dark Paradise Chapter Forty Nine

Sorry this is a short update, I still have exams going on. I finish on Thursday and so Thursday night I will post a long update. I appreciate everyone's patience and I hope you enjoy the update :) x


Arnav went up to his bedroom, reminding himself that Khushi has a right to be a little unreasonable, pregnancy is a stressful time and he should not hold it against her. After her tantrum earlier, Arnav had ended up looking after Pari with Di. Pari was picked up soon after her tantrum and then Khushi spent the day avoiding Arnav and giving him the silent treatment. He reached the bedroom where Khushi was ferociously muttering to herself, obviously she had not calmed down. Arnav took a deep breath and walked into the room, he gingerly approached the bed, Khushi shot him a look of shock as he took a seat next to her on the bed. Khushi shuffled away from him and Arnav exhaled.
"Come on Khushi. Really? Stop with this childishness." Arnav said and Khushi turned to look at him hurt.
"I'm childish? When you play your silly pranks and make your jokes that's not childish? I get upset and its childish? Of course it is! Why am I even asking you? Tum toh Arnav Singh Raizada ho, tum khabi galti nahin karte. Sorry Arnavji maaf kariye humein." Khushi said. Arnav exhaled deeply.
"Khushi I didn't mean it like that and you know it. We were all just joking around aur tum, its just a joke okay jaan?" He said as he put his arms around her hoping she would relent.
"Ah ha ha, nahin aaj nahin. Tum "jaan" "jaan" kehke mujhe maana nahin sakta." She said as she pushed his arms away. Arnav slipped his hand around her wrist and prevented her from moving.
"Choriye humara haat." Khushi said without looking at Arnav, she knew that it would just take one look, one look in his eyes and she wouldn't be able to hold her argument for much longer. He stroked her hand with his thumb.
"Kyun? I promised to have your hand in this life and in the next seven lifetimes, toh phir main kyun choroun tumhara haath?" Arnav said, smiling as he remembered Khushi had a special space reserved in her heart for such filmy dialogues.
"Arnav." Khushi breathed.
"Khushi." Arnav said with equal heaviness. Khushi attempted to wriggle out of his grasp and Arnav kept his grip on her, until he suddenly let go. Khushi became confused and turned around. Arnav looked at her and gave her a sideways smile.
"Its okay Khushi, jitna gussa karna hai karo, mujhe patta hai ki akhir tum mere paas hi chalongi." He said and Khushi smiled to herself.
"Itna confidence?" Khushi teased as she shuffled closer towards him, Arnav opened up his arms and Khushi nuzzled towards him.
"What can I say? I'm always right." He said smugly, Khushi slapped him lightly. "Ow. Khushi, what was that for?" Arnav asked, Khushi smiled.
"Itna confidence ucha nahin hotha, I was just trying to get rid of some the hot air in your head." She said, Arnav gave her an unimpressed look, before they could start fighting again Khushi placed a light kiss on Arnav's lips.
"Goodnight Arnav." She said as she turned over and went to sleep.

The next morning Khushi was up early, it was the day before Di's Godh Barhai and work needed to be done. Arnav had taken another day off after Nani had scolded him, explaining why it was necessary for him to be at home, considering Anjali didn't have a husband now, this time was going to be difficult for her and she'd need her family to support her and remind her to celebrate a joyous occasion such as this. Arnav groaned as he heard Khushi open and shut draws and cupboards as she got ready. He rolled over, pulling the pillow over his head.
"Khushi! I'm trying to sleep here!" He groaned aloud.
"Sorry, sorry, bohut kaam hai, main do minute mein tayaar hogi." She said as she went to the bathroom. She came out to find Arnav dragging himself out of bed.
"Arre, tum kyun utagye? I've finished getting ready, you can sleep peacefully now." She reassured him and he gave her a condescending look.
"Yeah right, I'll let you go downstairs and work yourself into a state, there is no way." Arnav said, Di was in her last month of pregnancy which meant Khushi wasn't too far away either and so doing work in a state like that, well it was stupid and Arnav wasn't going to let her take any risks.
"Tum bhi na, you worry too much." She said and Arnav grinned, he stood up and grabbed his clothes from the wardrobe. He walked up to Khushi and lightly brushed his hand against her stomach, he looked up to her with warm eyes and kissed her deeply.
"And you don't worry enough." He said as he pulled away. Arnav then proceeded to spend the whole day monitoring Khushi, ensuring she doesn't do too much work. If she went to go decorate something he'd take charge, if Khushi decided to help with the cooking he'd scold her, if she went to go check on anything he'd tell her to go sit down. Khushi was beginning to get annoyed with her husband's antics. She sat in the living room with Di in the end. Khushi had an expression of exasperation and Anjali smiled to herself.
"He doesn't mean to be so controlling." Anjali said to Khushi, who looked up confused.
"Ji?" She responded and Anjali smiled.
"Chotte's way of showing he cares is in a different style to normal people. You see, when I got ill Chotte used to irritate me so much. "Di woh maat karo, Di yeh maath karo" honestly I used to get so annoyed." Anjali said and Khushi nodded in agreement to those sentiments.
"Lekin dheere dheere, over time I realised, that was Chotte showing he cares. Chotte likes to control every situation and when something goes wrong he can't handle it. So with those he cares most about, he gets a little possessive. Lekin sirf isiliye kyunki woh humse bohut pyaar karte hain." Anjali said. Khushi sneakily looked at Arnav who was busy with flowers and lights, he and Akash both looked lost in the array of decoration chaos. She smiled at him, Khushi knew what Anjali was saying was true, he was her Bholuji after all. Arnav didn't know how to show his feelings and express worry and instead he just bossed people around, it was what he was best at. Khushi laughed a little. Arnav suddenly looked over at her and mouthed, "what?" to her, she smiled, shook her head and replied by mouthing, "I love you." Arnav looked around to make sure no one saw, he realised Akash had, he gave Akash a resentful look, Akash looked away, Arnav nodded to Khushi and began to work again.

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Dark Paradise Chapter Forty Eight

Khushi was sat on the floor in the living room with Pari, Nani, Di and Payal were sat on the sofas planning Di's godh barai. The family had decided to keep it small and intimate because of the whole Shyam issue but Di was happy with that, all she needed was her family. Arnav was sulking upstairs, after all the fuss Khushi created over her hardly seeing Arnav, she'd rather spend her time with a little toddler than her husband- well fine, he'd just work then. Lets see how long madam lasts with a toddler when her feet hurt, back hurts, head hurts and her sickness kicks in. Khushi was happily playing with Pari when something occurred to Anjali.
"Khushi." Anjali said and Khushi raised her head towards Anjali with a smile. "Hum sochre teh, ki maine toh meri bacha ki liye naam sochke rakha hai, apne yah Chotte ne kohi naam...?" Anjali asked and Khushi rolled her eyes and put her arms on her hips.
"Yeh loh, apko patta hai Di, apke Bhai duniya ki sabse ziddhi mard hai. Any name I suggest, "No Khushi that's too common, too boring, no Raizada would have a name like Happy, Lucky or Pinky." Maine galaat hi kya kaha hai? Mera naam Khushi hai, english mein Khushi ka kya matlam hai, Happy, na?" Khushi asked and Anjali nodded and Khushi nodded also. "See common sense ki baat hai, lekin nahin, usse lagta hai ki yeh saare naam bekaar aur stupid hai. Phir humne socha ki aggar ladka hua to kya naam rakenge. Aur Di joh naam maine kaha tah, tum sunke khush hojayengi aur woh gusse se laal." Khushi said as she indicated her head upwards to where Arnav was working. Anjali exchanged a look with Nani and Payal and they braced themselves.
"Dheko ab maine toh pehle Prem kaha, ucha naam hai, na?" Khushi asked and they all nodded. "Arnav asked why Prem and I told him, mera favourite hero Salman Khan, "Maine Pyar Kiya", "Hum Aapke Hain Kaun" aur "Hum Saath-Saath Hain" main uska naam Prem tah. Usne toh what the- what the- kehke na bhola. Phir humne Raj aur Rahul naam kehe aur usne kaha ki uggar main humare bache koh Shar Rukh Khan pe naam rakhenge toh phir woh humare bache koh boarding school ko pechenga." Khushi said as she sulked, the women attempted to hold their composure, Khushi was so pagal but loveable and Chotte just seemed to fuel her pagalpaan without meaning to.

Arnav eventually came down when he heard the eruption of laughter, he looked to see Khushi looking confused as Nani, Di and Payal laughed.
"Aap sab haas kyun re hoon? Mere naam uche nahin teh kya?" Khushi asked. Nani was the first to compose herself.
"Nahin Khushi betiyaan aisa nahin hai, bhaas mujhe patta hai ki zuroor Chotte tumhare bache koh kohi "A" wala naam rakhdonga, jaise ki "Anjali" aur "Arnav". Isiliye yeh "Happy" "Prem" "Rahul" "Pinky" chalega nahin." Nani said and Arnav realised Khushi had told the family about her bizarre choice of names. If she could get her head out of the clouds for one minute Arnav genuinely would be in wonderment. Khushi raised her eyebrows and nodded with realisation, she looked at Pari.
"Ucha Pari, toh yeh baat hai. Chalo sochte hai, kya Salman Khan ne kohi "A" naam se role kiya tah..." Khushi said as she began to stare into the distance with concentration. Arnav shook his head and took a seat on the floor with Khushi and Pari.
"Khushi." He said gently but she shushed him and shook her hands in his face, she wanted to concentrate. Anjali smiled.
"Chote Bhabi naam sochrahi hoon, humare aanewale mehmaan ki liye." Anjali said and Arnav rolled his eyes.
"Isme kaun se badi baat hai, hum kohi naam nahin rakhenge jise hum dono ko pasaand nahin. Sochne dijiye, lekin decision humara hoga." Arnav said with confidence.
"MIL GAYA!" Khushi shouted aloud, she frightened Pari who started to cry. "Sorry Pari, sorry." Khushi said and she lifted her up to sit on her laps and she gently swayed her until she felt safe again. Arnav watched in awe, Khushi was a natural with kids, Pari clinged to Khushi as though Khushi were her mother. A smile played on his lips as he looked onto a sight which he hoped soon enough would become reality, but instead of Khushi cradling Aman's daughter it would be their daughter.
"So." Arnav said looking at Khushi and she looked bemused for a minute and then remembered.
"Arre ha! Woh, "Saajan" film thi na usme Salman ne ek khirdar kiya uska naam tah Akash...A-akash....oh." Khushi said as she realised there was already an Akash Raizada. Arnav grinned and took Pari from her arms as she looked ready to explode.

"Ha, toh kya hua, hum aur naam sochte hain." She said, Arnav at first was awkward with the child, he tried to sit her on his lap but she fidgeted and climbed up, she stood balancing her legs on his and grabbed his face for support. Arnav had his arms precariously around her in case she lost her balance, she just smiled at him and squeezed his cheeks. Normally Arnav would have found such an act irritating but today he found it endearing. The sheer joy in that child's eyes, it made him ignore the fact that it hurt a little when she pinched her cheeks and whatever annoyance he could have had melted away. Khushi clapped her hands.
"Ab milgaya!" Khushi said as she wiggled her eyebrows. Arnav looked up with doubtful eyes. "Okay, iss film mein Salman ne chota sa role kiya ta lekin uchi film thi, "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" khi "Aman"!" Khushi exclaimed and Arnav looked at her blankly.
"Khushi there is no way I'm naming our child after an employee." He said.
"Toh, I'm not saying we name the baby after that Aman, I'm saying we name the baby after Salmanji." She said but Arnav shook his head.
"No Khushi and that's final. Besides what if we have a girl?" He said and Khushi groaned.
"Dekho Di! Isilye hum kohi naam chun nahi sakte." Khushi said as she pointed at Arnav with an angry expression. Pari saw this and stuck her tongue out at Khushi, she liked Arnav he let her clamber all over and she didn't like the way Khushi was talking to him. Arnav begin to laugh as Khushi gawped.
"Pari! Apne itne jaldi party badal bhi gaye. Tik hai, hum tum dono se baat nahin karti." Khushi got up slowly and then waddled upstairs angrily, she could hear Arnav's laugh even in their bedroom.

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Dark Paradise Chapter Forty Seven

"Khushi." Arnav said impatiently as he tied up his Nike running shoes. He was ready to do his morning run, but after a talk with the Doctor he found out that restricting Khushi to bed-rest was not good for her, she needed to still exercise to maintain a stable healthy environment for their baby to grow. So he'd persuaded Khushi to go for a walk/slow jog with him. She was reluctant but after everyone had said for her to go she caved. Khushi didn't want to go for a walk, if she wanted to walk she could, from the bedroom to the kitchen to make Jalebis. There, that was her idea of walking. Her feet hurt and she was tired because the baby had been kicking all night but Arnav refused to listen to any of it. It was his day to devote to Khushi and their unborn child and so he'd get her to do all the stuff she was too lazy and grouchy to do.
"Khushi I mean it, I will drag you out if you don't hurry up. We're only going to go to the park down the road. You can sit down when we get there, there are plenty of benches." He said.
"Aapka matlam kya hai? Main unfit hoon?" She snapped at him. That was not what he said but Khushi had a habit nowadays of twisting his words.
"No. I just meant that if its tiredness that you're worried about there is a solution to it. Now abh chalo." He said as he walked over to her and gently raised her off the bed. Khushi groaned as she began to force her feet out of her room.

Once there Khushi immediately made a B-line for the first bench in sight. Arnav shook his head as he saw her sprawl herself out on this bench. He walked over to her.
"Khushi I'm gonna run a few laps around the park, if you want you can stay here or you could walk behind while I run." He said and Khushi gave him a look as if he were the slowest person on earth.
"Main yahin par tik hoon, tum jao bhago dhor karo. Jao, jao, jao!" She said at him getting irritated by his grin. He put his Ipod headphones in and began his run. Khushi shook her head.
"Yeh Laad Governor bhi na, pehle voh healthy khaana mujhe khilata hai, phir aur torture karne ki liye mujhe yahaan leke atta hai aur phir khud apne fitness jataane ki liye bhagta hai jab ki main yahaan mari pai hoon. Hai Devi Maiyaa raksha karna humari!" Khushi said, she looked and saw people were looking at her. Khushi sometimes forgot it wasn't normal to talk to yourself out-loud. She smiled at the people and then looked away ashamedly. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the peace of being outside when she felt someone tug on her dupatta. She opened her eyes to see a little girl, no older than three looking up at her with a big smile. Khushi smiled at the little girl who had the cutest brown button eyes and little dimples on her cheek.
"Hello Beta, apki Maa kahan hai?" Khushi asked suddenly feeling anxious that this little angel was lost. That's when two hands descended and swooped the child into her arms. Khushi looked up to see a woman who she assumed was the child's mother as the child hugged her and buried her head into her neck.
"Sorry, yeh meri beti hai, itne shetaani hai khi poocho maat. I'm sorry agar isne tumhe paareshaan kiya." The woman said apologetically. Khushi shook her head.
"Nahin toh, tumhari bachi bohut pyari hai. Kya naam hai iska?" Khushi asked.
"Ji Pari, aur main hoon Priya. Namaste." The woman said with a smile. Khushi smiled.
"Namaste, bohut pyaara naam hai, I'm Khushi, Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada." She said and the woman's smile suddenly turned to a look shock.
"Aap Arnav Singh Raizada ki patni hoon?" She asked.
"Ji." Khushi responded.
"Arre what a small world. Mere pathi apki pathi ki liye kaam karta hai." She said with a big smile.
"Acha, kya naam hai unka shahid main usse jaanti hoon." Khushi said out of intrigue.
"Ji unka naam Aman hai, he's kind of Mr. Raizada's go to guy." She said.
Khushi gawped out of shock, Aman had a wife, she didn't know that and he had a daughter. Arnav never mentioned anything.

"Ji main usse jaanti hoon. Aman is like Arnav's office wife." Khushi said with a big grin when suddenly Arnav appeared. He looked tired now, he had little beads of sweat dripping off his forehead. His breathing was irregular, he looked at Khushi and then to the woman with the baby with confusion.
"Khushi..." He began.
"Arnav yeh Priya hai, Aman ki patni aur unki beti Pari." Khushi said quickly, Khushi could tell he had no idea who these people were.
"Oh yeah of course. Hi, I'm Arnav Singh Raizada." He said as gave the woman a courteous nod. She smiled back.
"I know Sir, yaad hai, tumne hamari Shaadi par ayein teh, char saal pehle?" Priya asked, Arnav smiled and nodded awkwardly, he had a vague recollection of Aman's wedding but he hadn't paid much attention and only gone briefly.
"Anyway, I should go, I have a hundred and one things to do today aur no one can look after Pari today so I have to try and juggle everything with her too. It was really nice seeing you both." She said when Khushi suddenly grinned.
"If you have a lot of work you can leave her with Arnav and I." Khushi offered, both Priya and Arnav looked shocked. Priya because she couldn't understand why anyone would willingly spend the day with a toddler and Arnav was shocked because he didn't want to spend his day at home with a toddler. "Arre, isme sharmaane ki kohi baat nahin. Aman is like family aur Pari bhi bhout pyari hai. Besides we're due one soon enough, practice toh karna parega. I promise she will be in good hands." Khushi said. Priya was sceptical, but it would be a great help and Aman was extremely close with Mr. Raizada. She agreed eventually. As Priya handed over Pari's baby-bag and explained all necessary instructions and the two discussed what time Pari would go home Arnav began to feel a migraine coming on....

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Dark Paradise Chapter Forty Six

Arnav groaned when he got out of the shower to see all the pictures still up on the walls, okay she'd had her fun but it was time to take them down now. He looked at Khushi happily writing in her baby book, she'd decided to keep a log for their baby to read when it was older, Arnav didn't really see the point in it. Why would their child want to know what Khushi thought when she was pregnant? She didn't make sense 99.99999% of the time, now that had gone into overdrive, poor kid would be confused if it attempted to understand the workings of Khushi's mind.
"Khushi ab bhas karo na, kafi raath ho chuki hai. Aur ha kal yeh sab photos ko vapaas meri cupboard mein honichaiyhe. Understand?" He said giving her a stealthy look. Khushi rolled her eyes.
"Humari cupboard, har cheez ab sirf tumhara nahi hai. What's mine is yours bholuji!" Khushi said with a big grin and Arnav clenched his jaw and got into bed.
"Khushi I'm serious, I don't like all this. Just get rid of it okay, I don't want to be angry with you." He warned, Khushi folded her arms over her bump.
"Nahi! Tumhe vaaje bhi nahi patta aur humhe hookum derre hoon ki saab photos ko nikalo. Nahi." She said and Arnav inhaled deeply, closed his eyes and exhaled.
"Okay, why did you put up the photos?" He asked, giving into her pagaalpaan. Khushi smiled, she wrapped her arms around one of his and rested her head on his chest.
"Aapko pata hai na ki jab ek aurat pregnant hothi hai toh jisse voh zyaada dekhe uske bucha uske roop mein attha hai?" Khushi asked and Arnav recalled hearing this silly wives tale before.
"Hmmm." He agreed, Khushi smiled, she could feel the vibrations of his confirmation through his chest.
"Well aap toh hamesha kaam mein busy hoon, aur hum yahaan kamare mein rehti hoon, toh maine socha ki tumhari tazveer lagao aur phir mera chotha sa pyaara sa Munna apne gussawala, akkarwala, lekin pyara sa Pappa pe jayega. Tik kiya na?" Khushi asked, she waited for some kind of response, a groan, a moan, an insult...anything really but all she had was silence. She looked up at Arnav whose expression was blank.
"Kya hua?" She asked.

"Nothing. You can keep the photos up, that way my princess wont turn out completely crazy like her Mamma. Goodnight Khushi." He said as he kissed her forehead and turned over to go to sleep. Khushi sat there mouth gaping, Khsuhi and pagal- how rude? She strangled the air whilst making strange faces at his back. Then stopped, as she realised it was this behaviour Arnav was talking about. Khushi scanned her eyes across the room, he hadn't seen her do it, she slowly slid down into bed and after wrapping herself around Arnav she drifted into sleep. When Khushi woke up the next morning she observed the pictures were still up and smiled. She patted her belly, "Akkir Pappa maangaya." She said happily and then got ready to go downstairs. Khushi had recently had to get looser fitting Anarkalis and she felt like she looked like a circus tent half the time but it was okay because Di was always there to give her confidence and support. Khushi slowly made her way down the stairs, she'd been warned so many times by Arnav about her clumsiness and how she'd better take care of herself properly because he didn't have time to watch her 24/7 blah blah blah. She shook her head as she made it to the bottom of the stairs, she had been self sufficient for nearly 23 years before she met Arnav Singh Raizada and she could continue to be so now also. She was walking to the kitchen table when a sight shocked her to the core making her gasp aloud. Everyone stopped eating their breakfast and turned to look at a pale Khushi.
"Kya hua?" Arnav asked looking at her, his face screaming the "what the" that was missing from his lips.
"A-ap aur ghar pe? Aap tik hoon na? Kohi bimaree toh nahi?" She asked and Arnav rolled his eyes.
"Ha ha very funny Khushi." He said shaking his head, turning his attention back to his toast.
"Nahi, main mazaak nahi kari, Devi Maiyaa kasam, aap tik hoon na?" Khushi asked in full seriousness, this earned Khushi a stifled laugh from Mamiji.

"Khushi I'm fine okay. Zyadaa nataak maat karo. You said last night that you hardly see me now, so I'm working from home today. I'm the boss and I can do it. Besides I have no meetings today its mainly just paperwork that I need to catch up on. Its not a big deal so lets not make one out of it. Got it?" He said and Khushi hid a smile. He would remain as naive as ever, did he really think she didn't see the love behind the gesture? He thought he was such an enigma to Khushi, unreadable and unpredictable. When in actuality Arnav was as readable to Khushi as a book in fact Arnav was Khushi's favourite book to read. She sat down beside him and she mulled over what to eat. Arnav looked at her and shook his head as he began to plate up Khushi's breakfast for her. She gave him a look of confusion, echoing his infamous "what the" look.
"What?" Arnav asked quietly, so that only Khushi could hear. She shifted her gaze to the plate and then back to him. Arnav rolled his eyes. "Khushi tum itna waqt lagari thi, humara bucha bhooka betha hai. Besides you'd only eat rubbish anyway. If I'm here I'll make sure you eat right and look after yourself." He said and Khushi groaned as he plated her up with toast, fruit and some juice to wash it down with. Whereas Akash Jiju, Payal, Mama and Mami were all having aloo ki parathe. Khushi's mouth watered at the sight of it. Arnav caught her look.
"No Khushi, I'm not letting you put that crap in you. Chup chaap kao." He said, Khushi frowned at him and began to eat, if you can call it that. Only God knows what he had planned for the next twenty four hours to torture Khushi with!


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Dark Paradise Chapter Forty Four

Khushi sat around downstairs waiting for Arnav, recently he'd been working so hard that she never saw him, he always came home late, told her to go to sleep and she had been doing so to avoid him getting worried about her health. But enough was enough, she missed spending time with him and seeing him, he should give some time to his wife! She sat at the dinner table, it was reaching eleven 'o' clock in the evening and Khushi's eyes felt heavy, her body was becoming slack and the drowsiness was taking over.
"Ouch!" Khushi said as her hands automatically went to her bump, the baby had kicked her extremely hard. "Lagta hai ek hor laad governer aane-wala hai, don't worry baby I'm going to spend time with pappa no matter what. Tumhe mujhe marne ki zuroorat nahi, I'll stay awake." She said to her bump, she grabbed some water from her glass and splashed it on her face to keep her awake. Everyone had told her again and again to go to bed, it wasn't good for the baby etc etc. But Khushi was adamant, the past few days Arnav came in when she was asleep and left before she woke up and this was not how Khushi wanted it to be. Arnav came in and began to undo his tie, he was exhausted, everyone he seemed to be working with was incompetent and lazy. Everyone always was in awe over how he rose to the top at such a young age when really it was very simple he worked hard and wasn't an idiot, that's all there was to it in his opinion. He walked towards the dining room to go warm up his food when he was startled by the sight of Khushi. Khushi who was impatiently tapping her spoon on her plate and staring off into the distance. Arnav smiled as he realised she was waiting for him but then grew angry as he realised she must have stayed angry this whole time. He cleared his throat which drew Khushi's attention towards him. She smiled and then frowned.
"Is this a time to be coming home?" She asked him angrily and Arnav looked at her with shock.
"Excuse me?" He asked and Khushi gave him a disgruntled look.
"I have been waiting for hours to spend a little time with you, aur tum, gyaara vaaje aaye. Okay work is work but what's the point in work if you can't even live?" She asked and Arnav rolled his eyes.
"I think I'm the one who should be lecturing you here. I didn't ask you to stay up this late and by doing so you've not only made yourself cranky but also deprived our baby in the process." He said, Khushi realised he had her there and smiled at him.
"Chorro na, mein khaana laga deti hoon." She said sweetly as she went to heat up the dinner.

Arnav smiled to himself, she had a habit of changing the subject when she was losing a fight, completely dismissing it, he pulled the chair out and sat down. Khushi came in with the food and they both sat down and began to eat. At first neither spoke because they were both too busy trying to satiate their hunger. After a while Arnav broke the silence.
"So what did I miss today?" He asked and Khushi smiled as she finished off her food, she wiped her hands and face and then began.
"Well we started to plan Di's godh barhaai today, it got me thinking about mine, it'll come up soon wont it so obviously I started thinking about it. Then I thought about you at work and how you miss out on everything." She said bitterly and Arnav gave her a reproachful look. "Anyway then I thought that what will happen when I go into labour." She said and Arnav looked confused.
"You have the baby, what else do you expect to happen?" He asked wandering why she was saying such stupid things.
"No I mean, you will be at work. What happens if you get stuck in traffic or you don't get my calls, I can't have this baby alone. I wont have this baby alone. If I have to go through all that pain you have to be there too." She said and Arnav looked at her with slight worry. She had a point, traffic in Delhi was always nightmare-ish and there was no way he could justify taking all this time off.
"Khushi don't worry I'll be there." Arnav said with conviction but Khushi was not convinced.
"Arnav! You are not God that if you say something it will happen. What happens if you're not there and you miss it? Or what if...what if something goes wrong?" Khushi asked, fear clear in her voice. Arnav looked at her, her lips trembling and her face pale. He quickly wiped his hands and face and walked over to Khushi, he knelt down beside her and clasped her hand into his own, with the other hand he guided her face gently to look at his.
"Khushi, there is no way anything bad is going to happen to you or our baby and as for me missing it. There isn't a force in heaven or hell that could stop me from being there." He said with such honesty that even Khushi couldn't challenge him. He smiled at her and tilted his head.
"Chale? I'm really tired Khushi." He said, Khushi noted the dark circles and the weariness on his face, she was sure her worries weren't helping him right now. She nodded, he helped her get up, giving her both his hands and then wrapping one hand around her waist just so his hand touched the growing bump and the other hand held one of hers. Arnav smiled.
"What?" Khushi asked as they made their way upstairs.
"If you carry on like this you can forget me ever lifting or catching you again." He said as he began to laugh, Khushi hit him playfully, he was being mean but he had laughed and as much as she hated it she loved his laugh and would even let herself be made ridicule just to hear it.

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